Heartstopper (Season 2)
Available on Netflix.
Alice Oseman’s LGBTQ+ teen drama is back, and it’s got us feeling just as warm and fuzzy inside as the first season did.
With its beautifully curated soundtrack and quirky graphic-novel-inspired visuals, it’s the perfect comfort show for teens and adults alike. And these aren’t the only features that set Heartstopper apart from other high school-based shows – it’s refreshing to see teenagers being portrayed as just that: teenagers. They’re hormonal, awkward, and excited by little gestures like being gifted their favourite chocolate bar.
The series focuses on three key relationships: Charlie and Nick (Joe Locke and Kit Connor), Elle and Tao (Yasmin Finney and William Gao), and Darcy and Tara (Kizzy Edgell and Corinna Brown). While Nick struggles to come out as bisexual, Elle and Tao butt heads as they are both worried that their romantic feelings could tear their friendship apart. We can’t help but fall in love with Tao’s fumbling, awkward attempts to woo Elle, especially when he gives himself a makeover that falls flat on their first date.
Nick’s mum (Olivia Colman) is back as the mum we all wish we’d had growing up, providing more tear-jerking moments of LGBTQ+ acceptance. Then there’s Tori (Jenny Walser), with her usual cynicism and fierce determination to protect her little brother at all costs.
We also delve further into Darcy and Tara’s seemingly perfect relationship this season, watching as communication breaks down between the two. Yet, as the one remaining member of season one’s friendship group, Isaac’s asexuality story feels somewhat tacked onto the end of the series, and his character is unfortunately an afterthought in most episodes. It’s a shame that his understated and introspective personality isn’t explored further.
Series two tackles a range of difficult subjects with tact and sensitivity, including biphobia, family estrangement, and eating disorders. The tone can be serious at times, but it’s perfectly balanced with cute, magical moments such as first kisses and secret hand holding. With several episodes taking place on a school trip to Paris, it’s great to see the main cast thrown into a new environment without the restrictions of having to part ways at the end of the day. Not to mention that Paris is the most romantic backdrop for budding teen romances.
If you’ve enjoyed this season of Heartstopper, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a third one in the making, which promises even more wholesome, heartwarming moments. Get your tissues at the ready.